EDIT: to everyone else, quit being so butthurt. Give it at least a few days trial.
EDIT2: Also, time to bring carnwennan back. Maybe everyone will listen to me when I say BMM are stealing from dublin;)
being butthurt in a situation where feedback is requested, is very VERY important... at least thats the way i see things in a democratic system
Seriously though, I think the idea of fluctuating ore yields is a bad idea. all it means is that if you were lucky to log in at the right time, you get rewarded, and if you had RL in your way, and you came to mine, and got nothing you lose.
cheesey system, i don't think its a good one IMHO. just do something that makes a single hegemon essential for a mining operation.